NURSES’ RISE ‘UNAFFORDABLE’ SAYS PM

RISHI Sunak has said a 19 per cent pay rise for nurses is ‘obviously unaffordable’.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) yesterday announced its first national walkout on December 15 and 20. It suggested there could be more if the Government does not agree to its demands.

The strikes have sparked fears for cancer appointments and elderly patients.

The Prime Minister told broadcasters: ‘What the unions are asking for, I think, is a 19 per cent pay rise. I think most people watching will recognise that that’s obviously unaffordable.

‘And that’s why I’m pleased that the Health Secretary is sitting down, talking to the union, and hopefully we can find a way through this.’ But RCN general secretary Pat Cullen accused Health Secretary Steve Barclay of having ‘chosen strikes over speaking to me’.

Mr Barclay has cited the demands as a 19.2 per cent rise costing £10billion a year. Miss Cullen told BBC Breakfast she does not recognise his figures, and added that ‘life-preserving services’ will continue.

Caroline Abrahams, of charity Age UK, appealed for a resolution before the strikes. She said: ‘This would be in everyone’s best interests, including those of our older population, who depend on being able to access effective health services to live well.’